Deciding on the right kind of slate roofing for your Whitney home means factoring in several aspects, including its required durability, the high style for which slate is known, and your property's specific needs. You want roofing that will last and that will look good for as long as it lasts. So, if you're considering slate, you've got choices to make. They include the kind of slate that best fits your needs and the weather conditions in our area, as well as choices that make for distinctly different appearances—so much so that some kinds of slate could be said to have a hand in creating the look of your high-style roof. You could call it "slate-appeal." In Whitney, where the weather can vary, it's crucial to choose a slate that can withstand the local elements as well as variances that won't affect its performance.
Authentic and ageless, natural slate roofing offers many homes a traditional allure. When properly maintained, some natural slate roofs last for well over a century. As a roofing material, slate is undeniably durable. Choosing natural slate does mean considering the weight, though; if your home's structure can't support all that it and the underlayment weigh, then you really should be looking at something else. And yes, the upfront cost is often significantly more than other roofing materials you might consider. But when you think about not having to put much money at all toward the roofing for 50, 75, or 100 years, suddenly that incessant need to reach into your pocket for an investment that pays off in the long term starts to make a kind of crazy sense.
On the other hand, synthetic slate roofing may be a practical route for homeowners who want their roofs to look like slate without the associated concerns. Synthetic slate is a composite material, so it looks like slate but is much lighter and less expensive. Synthetic slate is made to be very durable and to withstand the elements, so it's perfect for Whitney's slate roof rivaling conditions. Synthetic slate roofing can also be easier to put on, so it's usually cheaper to install and takes less time to put on than a natural slate roof. If you want your roof to look like a natural slate roof but worry about the weight or cost, don't forget to consider synthetic slate. And remember, whether you choose natural or synthetic slate, getting an expert involved in the decision process is a good idea.